Deptford in south east London has undergone quite a change in the last few years. Why? It's relatively affordable given it's proximity to central London and people priced out of other edgy boroughs have migrated south to this historic area that's rich in history and was once famous for boat building. It's ethnically diverse, it has the students of Goldsmiths college, and now lots of young professionals and families are starting to populate the new developments springing up around the area. Because of this there has been a steady increase the number of places to eat and drink. Here are a few of my favourites. Of course being a designer - the style and look of the place has influenced their inclusion on this blog - but that's not to say it's all about style over substance.

Keeping up the tradition of other pubs by this owner, the name of the original occupiers of the site was retained. Which is especially important given that they hardly exist any more...I'm talking Job Centres btw. A good use of utilitarian Helvetica on the sign compliments the "found" furniture used in the interior. The large red anchor is a reminder of the one that used to sit at the top of the High Street, originally a gift from Chatham Dock. Now mothballed in a warehouse somewhere. The vibes, food and drinks are all very good too.

A forgotten seedy pub on Tanners Hill has been transformed into a very good one that serves food and now real ale, not just craft beer. The trompe l'oeil on the ceiling and on the typography on the wall is a first for the area.

The Full Nelson, a vegan cafe from the people who brought us the Waiting Room is now up and running and very popular. Here I captured the sign being hand painted. A very nice bit of vintage drop shadow.

The Red Lion Café, Batavia Road occupies a ground floor shell that is part of the new apartment block on that street. The very high ceilings and sparse but tasteful modern furniture, polished concrete floor are million miles away from the style of the coffee shops just a stone throw away on the New Cross Road. The coffee is an art form and the pastries are delicious too. The branding is very discreet, only appearing on the clipboard menus.

The re-born Cranbrook, now named after the park that runs alongside it - Brookmill - instead of the road it sits on, just opened a little over a year ago. The complete refurbishment gave it earthy stripped floorboards, bare brick walls and an ad-hoc selection of reclaimed furniture, not to mention the green and cream logo and colour scheme with it's sans serif font. It's a great addition to this more sedate side of Deptford which borders Lewisham.

When I saw the "Restaurant To Let" signs on what was this dis-used toilet I thought it had to be a joke. At the time this narrow little park called Folkestone Gardens - sandwiched between elevated railways lines was a little neglected (Not so say that it wasn't quiet a charming little place). But since then it's had a small makeover which has incorporated a quiet cycle lane and a skate park. But as you can see from the photo, this place really comes into it's own when the sun is shining in the morning. Inside it is very elegant and minimal and they serve delicious Italian food and very good coffee. It has a simple unobstrusive sign and logo which sits perfectly with the black and brick on the exterior.

The Plough Lane Cafe on....you've guessed it Plough Lane is something of a hidden gem. Located at the far end of a new residential development.